A vortex suppression device

ABSTRACT

A vortex suppression device (10) for a fluid flowing along a pathway (A-E), including: an elongate body with an outer surface having an elongate leading section and an elongate trailing section along the length of the elongate body, in relation to a direction of fluid flow (A-E) when the device is located in the pathway, the elongate body having at least one channel (24a-24d, 26a, 26b) which extends from the elongate leading section to the elongate trailing section of the elongate body, the channel (24a-24d, 26a, 26b) being configured so that in use, when the device is in the pathway, the channel (24a-24d, 26a, 26b) allows fluid flow (J) towards the trailing section that disrupts the formation of vortices (D).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vortex suppression device.

The present invention relates particularly, although by no meansexclusively, to an instrument for inserting into a pipeline including avortex suppression device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In certain industries, such as the oil and gas industry, it is arequirement to periodically insert instruments inside a flowing stream,such as in a flowing process pipeline, to perform a variety of differenttasks. Some of these tasks may include: sampling; injection;measurement; and corrosion monitoring.

An instrument for inserting into pipelines may include: a sample probe;a pipeline injector; a corrosion coupon, or any other sensors fordetermining the properties of the fluid.

Whilst the instruments involved in each of these tasks have a specificpurpose, the overall intention is to undertake product quality controland to control/monitor pipeline integrity. The results of the analysisprovide the operators of the pipeline with the necessary information tomeet product specifications.

To perform any of the aforementioned tasks accurately, it is critical toinsert an instrument inside a process pipeline during the productionprocess. However, it is undesirable for the inserted instrument tointerfere with the production process, such as fluid flow in thepipelines.

Inserting an instrument inside a process pipeline during a productionprocess involves inserting the instrument inside the pipeline while theproduct is flowing in the pipeline.

Instruments for inserting into pipelines are typically cylindricalshaped. These instruments are generally inserted in a fixed positionsuch that the flow of fluid travels transverse to a longitudinal axis ofthe instrument.

When a cylinder is introduced into a flow of fluid travelling transverseto a longitudinal axis of the cylinder, the flow decelerates as itimpacts an outer surface of the cylinder. The elongate section of theouter surface of the cylinder at which flow first impacts the outersurface of the cylinder is also known as the “leading section” (or the“leading edge”) of the cylinder. The flow separates at the leadingsection and travels in opposite directions around the cylinder. As theflow travels around the cylinder it accelerates until it reaches amaximum velocity area. Beyond this point, the flow decelerates as ittravels around the cylinder to a second low-velocity area where the flowrejoins and/or leaves the outer surface of the cylinder. The elongatesection on the cylinder at which flow rejoins and/or leaves the outersurface of the cylinder is also known as the “trailing section” (or the“trailing edge”) of the cylinder.

The change in fluid velocity around the cylinder effects the pressuregradient around the cylinder according to Bernoulli's principle. Thepressure gradient around the cylinder is determined by the flow regimein which the hydraulic system is operating in. Under certain flowregimes, the static pressure around the cylinder may be high enough toproduce an adverse pressure gradient, i.e. one that acts against thedirection of flow. This adverse pressure gradient causes recirculationof flow which results in separation of boundary layer flow from thecylinder. The flow that is separated can form vortices that shedasymmetrically (i.e. alternative shedding of vortices) in the wake ofthe cylinder.

The Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless parameter which can be usedto categorize the flow regime in which a fluid flow is operating in. TheReynolds number can be considered a ratio of viscous forces to inertialforces. For low Reynolds numbers (Re<10) the flow conditions around thecylinder can be considered laminar, meaning the viscous forces aredominant and a boundary layer of low velocity fluid surrounds thecylinder. For Reynolds numbers of Re=˜10, inertial forces begin todominate and the boundary layer surrounding the cylinder begins toseparate and form vortices in the wake of the cylinder. With increasesin Reynolds number (Re>˜90) the flow pattern around the body becomesasymmetric and the low-pressure zone moves across the surface of thecylinder resulting in alternate shedding of vortices, also known as aKármán vortex street. The shedding of vortices continues until fullyturbulent flow conditions are reached at around Re˜10⁵.

The alternate shedding of vortices produces an oscillatory force alsoknown as vortex induced vibration (VIV). The magnitude and frequency ofthe VIV can result in damage to the inserted instrument which can alsoaffect downstream equipment, and/or the pipeline itself. This isespecially true for frequencies of vibration which match the resonantfrequency of the inserted instrument.

The present invention seeks to address the issues associated with vortexinduced vibration, or to at least provide the consumer with a usefulalternative.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general terms, in a first aspect there is disclosed a vortexsuppression device for fluid flowing along a pathway, including: anelongate body with an outer surface having an elongate leading sectionand an elongate trailing section along the length of the elongate body,in relation to a direction of fluid flow when the device is located inthe pathway, the elongate body having at least one channel which extendsfrom the leading section to the trailing section of the elongate body,the channel being configured so that in use, when the device is in thepathway, the channel allows fluid flow towards the trailing section thatdisrupts the formation of vortices.

In more particular terms, in a first aspect there is disclosed a vortexsuppression device for fluid flowing along a pathway, including: anelongate body with an outer surface having an elongate leading sectionand an elongate trailing section along the length of the elongate body,in relation to a direction of fluid flow when the device is located inthe pathway, the elongate body having at least one channel which extendstransversely to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body from theleading section to the trailing section of the elongate body, thechannel being configured so that in use, when the device is in thepathway, the channel allows fluid flow towards the trailing section thatdisrupts the formation of vortices.

The channel essentially directs high velocity fluid flow from upstreamof the elongate body to downstream of the elongate body in order toreduce the static pressure downstream of the elongate body. Reducing thestatic pressure assists in preventing the formation of an adversepressure gradient. This reduces the amount of boundary layer flowseparation which, in turn, disrupts the formation of vortices.

In some embodiments, the elongate body has a circular or ovalcross-section.

In some embodiments, the elongate body may also have a polygonalcross-section.

In some embodiments, the outer surface is dimpled or undulated. Thedimples or undulations act to increase turbulent flow in the boundarylayer, which assists in preventing boundary layer flow separation.

In some embodiments, the at least one channel comprises a groove in theouter surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the groove follows a sinusoidal path around theelongate body.

In some embodiments, the groove follows a circumferential or helicalpath around the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the elongate body comprises a plurality of grooves,each groove following a sinusoidal path, circumferential path, orhelical path. The grooves may share the same path shape of followdifferent paths. For example, the elongate body may have three grooves,two of the grooves follow a circumferential path and one of the groovesfollows a sinusoidal path.

In some embodiments, the at least one channel extends through theelongate body.

In these embodiments, the at least one channel may have a rectangularcross-section having a width and a height, the width extending parallelto the longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The height of eachchannel may be greater than 1 mm. Suitably, the height of each channelmay be between 2 mm and 4 mm. More suitably, the height of each channelmay be 3 mm.

In some embodiments, the channel is offset from a centreline of thecross-section of the elongate body. The channel may be offset by adistance greater than 4.5 mm. Suitably, channel may be offset by adistance between 4.5 mm and 12 mm. More suitably, the channel may beoffset by a distance of 6.5 mm or by 9.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the vortex suppression device has at least oneopening in the outer surface of the elongate body. At least one of thechannels may intersect with the at least one opening.

In some embodiments, the vortex suppression device has at least twodiametrically opposed openings in the outer surface of the elongatebody. The elongate body may include at least two channels, two of thechannels each intersecting with openings in the outer surface of theelongate body.

In some embodiments, the elongate body includes at least four channels,two of the channels each intersecting with openings in the outer surfaceof the elongate body.

In some embodiments, each opening has a rectangular cross-section havinga width and a height, the width extending parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the elongate body. The height of each opening may be greaterthan 1 mm. Suitably, the height of each opening may be between 2 mm and4 mm. More suitably, the height of each opening may be 3 mm.

In some embodiments, the elongate body is a sample probe having a firstend and a second end and an internal passage extending between the firstend and the second end for collecting fluid samples.

In some embodiments, the sample probe includes a threaded connectionlocated at the second end for connecting the sample probe to anauxiliary piece of equipment.

In some embodiments, the sample probe includes a flow regulatingarrangement located at the first end for regulating the flow of fluidinto or out of the internal passage.

In some embodiments, the flow regulating arrangement is a valve and/or afilter.

In some embodiments of the vortex suppression device, the elongate bodymay include any one, or combination, of the following:

-   -   a) a sample probe;    -   b) an injection nozzle for the dispersion of liquids;    -   c) a measurement device for determining fluid properties; or    -   d) a corrosion coupon for monitoring pipeline corrosion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of thedevice as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a vortex suppression device according to afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view A-A of the vortex suppression device ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the vortex suppression device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a velocity plot results of a computational flow simulation forflow around a cylinder;

FIG. 5 is a velocity plot results of a computational flow simulation forflow around the vortex suppression device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vortex suppression device according toa second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, along plane on the longitudinal axis,of the vortex suppression device shown in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vortex suppression device accordingto a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A to 9D are plan views of the vortex suppression device of FIG. 8taken at 90 degree increments around the longitudinal axis of device,wherein: FIG. 9A is first plan view (at 0 degrees); FIG. 9B is a secondplan view (at 90 degrees);

FIG. 9C is a third plan view (at 180 degrees); FIG. 9D is a fourth planview (at 270 degrees); and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A in FIG. 9D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The Figures show three embodiments of the vortex suppression device ofthe invention. It is noted that these are not the only embodiments.

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 3 , a first embodiment of the vortexsuppression device is shown in the form of a sample probe 10 having acylindrical shaped elongate body 12 with an outer surface defining alongitudinal axis 14. The elongate body 12 has a first end 16, a secondend 18 and an internal sampling passage 20, extending between the firstand second ends 16, 18, for collecting fluid samples (as shown in FIG. 2). The second end 18 has a male threaded connection for connecting thesample probe to an auxiliary piece of equipment. The first end 16 has anaperture 22 (as shown in FIG. 3 ) for receiving flow of fluid into thesampling passage 20.

As can be seen from FIG. 2 , the elongate body 12 includes channels 24a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d which extend transversely to the longitudinal axis14 of the elongate body 12, through the elongate body 12.

When the sample probe 10 is positioned in a flow of fluid along apathway (for example, see FIG. 5 : fluid is flowing past the sampleprobe 10 in the direction of A to E), the outer surface defines anelongate leading section along the length of the sample probe 10 (forexample, see FIG. 5 : section of sample probe 10 local to area A) and anelongate trailing section along the length of the sample probe 10 (forexample, see FIG. 5 : section of the sample probe 10 local to Area D) inrelation to a direction of fluid flow.

In use, the sample probe 10 is introduced to a fluid flow and orientedsuch that the longitudinal axis 14 is perpendicular to the direction offluid flow and the channels 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d are aligned with thedirection of fluid flow. In such an orientation, fluid flow enters thesechannels 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d, at the elongate leading section andflows through the elongate body 12 and exists the channels 24 a, 24 b,24 c, 24 d at the elongate trailing section of the elongate body 12.High velocity fluid from the leading section of the elongate body 12exists the channels at the trailing section of the elongate body 12forming what is known as ‘passive jets’. These ‘passive jets’ reduce thestatic pressure downstream of the elongate body which assists inpreventing the formation of an adverse pressure gradient. This reducesthe amount of boundary layer flow separation which, in turn, disruptsthe formation of vortices.

FIG. 2 also shows two diametrically opposed openings 26 a, 26 b in theouter surface of the elongate body 12. The channels 24 a and 24 dintersect, perpendicularly, with two diametrically opposed openings 26a, 26 b, respectively, to form ‘passive jets’ at multiple angles aroundthe elongate body 12.

The applicant has found that producing ‘passive jets’ at multiple anglesaround the elongate body 12 provides a more even pressure gradientaround the elongate body 12. The channels 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d andopenings 26 a, 26 b direct the high velocity fluid from the leadingsection of the elongate body 12 to the low-pressure area behind thetrailing section of the elongate body 12 in order to restrict thetransverse fluid motion around the elongate body 12 using the kineticenergy available in the flow. This not only reduces the boundary layerflow separation from the trailing section of the elongate body 12, butalso reduces boundary layer flow separation from the elongate body 12 atother positions located between the leading section and the trailingsection of the elongate body 12. The applicant has found that havingmore than one channel 24 reduces the severity of alternate shedding ofvortices by increasing the kinetic energy available for vortexsuppression at the trailing section of the elongate body 12.

FIG. 2 shows that the elongate body has a centreline 28 and that each ofthe channels 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d are offset from the centreline 28. Apair of channels 24 b, 24 c are offset by a distance typically greaterthan 4.5 mm. In the described embodiment the pair of channels 24 b, 24 care offset by a distance of 6.5 mm and another pair of channels 24 a, 24d are offset by a distance of 9.5 mm.

FIG. 1 shows that the channels 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d have a rectangularcross-section having a width and a height; the width extending parallelto the longitudinal axis 14 of the elongate body 12. The width of eachof the channels 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d extends substantially the entirelength of the elongate body 12 and the height of each the channels 24 istypically greater than 1 mm. In the described embodiment the height is 3mm. It is advantageous for each of the channels 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 dto have a constant cross-sectional size throughout its length in orderto allow transfer of kinetic energy with minimal energy loss. In otherwords, it is typically undesirable to have any flow restrictions in thechannels 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d.

Each of the openings 26 a, 26 b has a rectangular cross-section having awidth and a height; the width extending parallel to the longitudinalaxis 14 of the elongate body 12. The width of each of the openings 26 a,26 b extends substantially the entire length of the elongate body 12 andthe height of each of the openings 26 a, 26 b is typically greater than1 mm. In the described embodiment the height is 3 mm. It is advantageousfor each of the openings 26 a, 26 b to have a constant cross-sectionthroughout its length in order to allow transfer of kinetic energy withminimal energy loss. In other words, it is typically undesirable to haveany flow restrictions in the openings 26 a, 26 b.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of the first end 16 of the sample probe shownin FIG. 1 . As can be seen from FIG. 3 , the sample probe includes anaperture 22 which allows fluid flow to enter the sampling passage 20 andflow in a direction along the longitudinal axis 14 of the elongate body12. The sampling passage 20 is used to obtain a sample from the fluidflow which can then be analysed to determine the properties of thefluid.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are comparative velocity plot results of a computationalflow simulation of flow around a cylinder C (as shown in FIG. 4 ) withand the vortex suppression device 10 of the present invention (as shownin FIG. 5 ). Both simulations used the same fluid flow conditions, i.e.the same Reynolds number.

FIG. 4 shows a cylinder C in a flow of fluid traveling from A-E. Theflow decelerates as it impacts the leading section of the cylinder C andforms a low-velocity area A. The flow separates at the leading sectionand travels in opposite directions around the cylinder C. As the flowtravels around the cylinder it accelerates until it reaches a maximumvelocity area B. Beyond this point, the flow decelerates as it travelsaround the cylinder C to a second low-velocity area D. The change influid velocity around the cylinder effects the pressure gradient aroundthe cylinder according to Bernoulli's principle. At areas oflow-velocity, such as at area D, the static pressure is high enough toproduce an adverse pressure gradient, i.e. one that acts against thedirection of flow. This adverse pressure gradient causes recirculationof flow and ultimately separation of boundary layer flow from thecylinder C. The flow that is separated in area D produces alternateshedding of vortices E in the wake of the cylinder C, also known as aKármán vortex street.

FIG. 5 shows the vortex suppression device 10 in a flow of fluidtraveling from A-E. The flow decelerates as it impacts the leadingsection of the vortex suppression device 10 and forms a low-velocityarea A. The flow separates at the leading section and travels inopposite directions around the vortex suppression device 10. As the flowtravels around the vortex suppression device 10 it accelerates until itreaches a maximum velocity area B proximal to the entrances of thechannels 24 a-24 d. The flow from the maximum velocity area B is thenconducted along the channels 24 a-24 d and openings 26 a, 26 b to thetrailing section of the vortex suppression device 10 to exit thechannels 24 a-24 d and openings 26 a, 26 b as ‘passive jets’ J. The‘passive jets’ J reduce the static pressure downstream of the vortexsuppression device 10. Reducing the static pressure assists inpreventing the formation of an adverse pressure gradient. This reducesthe amount of boundary layer flow separation which, in turn, disruptsthe formation of vortices. Furthermore, the channels 24 a-24 d alsoreduce the severity of alternate shedding of vortices, i.e. a Kármánvortex street, by constraining the movement of the low-pressure zone tobetween the channels 24 a-24 d.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the vortex suppression devicein the form of a different sample probe 30 having an elongate body 32with, an outer surface defining a longitudinal axis 34, a first end 36,and a second end 38. Between the first and second ends 36, 38 is aninternal sampling passage 40 for collecting fluid samples. Theembodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 operates in much the same way as theembodiment of FIG. 1 . However, the first end 36 of the sample probeincludes a flow regulating arrangement 42 for regulating the flowinto/out of the sampling passage 40. The flow regulating arrangement 42is a cylindrical component that is releasably attached to the first end36 of the sample probe 30 by bolts 48. The flow regulating arrangement42 also includes channels and openings as previously described in FIGS.1 to 3 .

As can be seen in FIG. 7 , the flow regulating arrangement 42 comprisesan internal passage 50 which aligns and fluidly communicates with thesampling passage 40. The internal passage 50 has an opening in which afilter 44, in the form of a perforated disc, is located. The filter 44acts to prevent particles over a certain size from entering the internalpassage 50. Inside the internal passage 50 is a valve arrangement 46which comprises a poppet valve body 52 that is biased to rest on anannular valve seat 56 by a helical spring 54. The valve arrangement 46regulates flow into/out of the sampling passage 40.

FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a third embodiment of the vortex suppressiondevice in the form of a sample probe 100 having a cylindrical shapedelongate body 102 with an outer surface defining a longitudinal axis104.

When the sample probe 100 is positioned in a fluid flow, the outersurface has an elongate leading section and an elongate trailing sectionin relation to a direction of fluid flow. The elongate body 102 haschannels, in the form of circumferential grooves 106 that follow asinusoidal path around the outer surface of the elongate body 102, whichextend transversely to the longitudinal axis 104 of the elongate body102 from the elongate leading section to the elongate trailing sectionof the elongate body 102. The grooves 106 are illustrated in alternatingcolours, blue and red. These colours are merely to distinguish onegroove from the grooves that are adjacent to it. The grooves 106 reducevortex induced vibration by conducting high velocity fluid flow from theleading section to the trailing section of the elongate body 102. Thehigh velocity fluid at the trailing section reduces static pressuredownstream of the elongate body 102. Reducing the static pressureassists in preventing the formation of an adverse pressure gradient.This reduces the amount of boundary layer flow separation, which inturn, disrupts the formation of vortices.

As can be appreciated, the sample probe 100 functions in the same manneras sample probes 10 and 30. However, unlike the sample probes 10 or 30,the sample probe 100 can be oriented at any angle, provided the fluidflow is travelling in a direction transversely to the longitudinal axisof the elongate body 102, without reducing its effectiveness atdisrupting vortices. This is because the grooves 106 extend around theouter surface of the elongate body 102 rather than through the elongatebody 102.

A further advantage of the sample probe 100, is that the circumferentialgrooves 106 transfer high velocity flow to the trailing section withgreater efficiency than the channels/openings of sample probes 10 and30. In other words, the high velocity flow is conducted to the tailingsection with fewer and less severe directional changes. Severedirectional changes should be avoided as they can result in energylosses. Because of this, the sample probe 100 can be made smaller thanthe sample probes 10 or 30, whilst providing the same vortex suppressioncapability. Reducing the size of the sample probe reduces materials andmanufacturing costs.

In the embodiments previously discussed the elongate body 12, 32, 102 isshown to be cylindrical shaped. However, it is envisaged that elongatebodies of other shapes are within the scope of the invention.

The sample probes 10, 30, 100 can be made from any suitable material,preferably a corrosion resistant material, such as stainless steel,titanium, aluminum, brass . . . etc.

Whilst a number of specific embodiments have been described, it shouldbe appreciated that the device may be embodied in many other forms. Theinvention has been described in the context of a sample probe, however,the invention should not be considered limited to this use. Thisinvention is suitable for suppressing vortices produced as a result ofan instrument being inserted into a flow of fluid. This invention istherefore suitable for other applications, for example flow meters,injection quills, siphons, corrosion coupon holders and thermowells.

In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, exceptwhere the context requires otherwise due to express language ornecessary implication, the word “comprise” and variations such as“comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. tospecify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theapparatus and method as disclosed herein.

Further patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on thebasis of, or claiming priority from, the present application. It is tobe understood that the following provisional claims are provided by useof example only and are not intended to limit the scope of what may beclaimed in any such future applications. Features may be added to oromitted from the provisional claims at a later date so is to furtherdefine or re-define the invention or inventions.

Key

-   -   10: sample probe without regulation means    -   12: elongate body    -   14: longitudinal axis    -   16: first end    -   18: second end    -   20: sampling passage    -   22: aperture    -   24 a-d: channel    -   26 a,b: opening    -   28: centerline    -   30: sample probe with regulation means    -   32: elongate body    -   34: longitudinal axis    -   36: first end    -   38: second end    -   40: sampling passage    -   42: regulating arrangement    -   44: filter    -   46: valve arrangement    -   48: bolts    -   50: internal passage    -   52: valve body    -   54: spring    -   56: seat    -   100: vortex suppression device    -   102: elongate body    -   104: longitudinal axis    -   106: grooves    -   108: sampling passage

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A vortex suppression device for a fluid flowingalong a pathway, the device comprising: an elongate body with an outersurface having an elongate leading section and an elongate trailingsection along a length of the elongate body, in relation to a directionof fluid flow when the device is located in the pathway, the elongatebody having at least one channel that extends from the leading sectionto the trailing section of the elongate body, the channel beingconfigured so that in use, when the device is in the pathway, thechannel allows fluid flow towards the trailing section that disrupts theformation of vortices.
 25. The vortex suppression device of claim 24,wherein the elongate body has a circular or an oval cross-section. 26.The vortex suppression device of claim 25, wherein the at least onechannel comprises a groove in the outer surface the elongate body. 27.The vortex suppression device of claim 26, wherein the groove follows asinusoidal path around the elongate body.
 28. The vortex suppressiondevice of claim 27, wherein the at least one channel extends through theelongate body.
 29. The vortex suppression device of claim 28, whereinthe at least one channel has a rectangular cross-section having a widthand a height, the width extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of theelongate body.
 30. The vortex suppression device of claim 29, whereinthe height of the channel is greater than 1 mm.
 31. The vortexsuppression device of claim 30, wherein the channel is offset from acenterline of a cross-sectional area of the elongate body
 32. The vortexsuppression device of claim 31, wherein the channel is offset by adistance greater than 4.5 mm.
 33. The vortex suppression device of claim24, wherein elongate body having at least one opening defined in theouter surface.
 34. The vortex suppression device of claim 33, whereinthe channel is a plurality of channels, and wherein at least one of thechannels intersects with the at least one opening.
 35. The vortexsuppression device of claim 24, wherein the elongate body having atleast two diametrically opposed openings in the outer surface.
 36. Thevortex suppression device of claim 35, wherein the channel of theelongate body is selected from the group consisting of: two channelseach intersecting with openings defined in the outer surface of theelongate body; and at least four channels, and wherein two of the fourchannels each intersecting with the openings defined in the outersurface of the elongate body.
 37. The vortex suppression device of claim36, wherein the openings having a rectangular cross-section having awidth and a height, the width extending parallel to a longitudinal axisof the elongate body.
 38. The vortex suppression device of claim 37,wherein the height of each of the openings is greater than 1 mm.
 39. Thevortex suppression device of claim 24, wherein the elongate body is asample probe having a first end, a second end and an internal passageextending between the first end and the second end for collecting fluidsamples.
 40. The vortex suppression device of claim 39, wherein thesample probe comprising: a threaded connection located at the second endfor connecting the sample probe to an auxiliary piece of equipment; anda flow regulating arrangement located at the first end for regulatingthe flow of fluid into or out of the internal passage.
 41. The vortexsuppression device of claim 40, wherein the flow regulating arrangementincludes one selected from the group consisting of a valve, and afilter.
 42. The vortex suppression device of claim 24, wherein theelongate body includes any one of or combination selected from the groupconsisting of a sample probe, an injection nozzle for dispersion ofliquids, a measurement device for determining fluid properties, and acorrosion coupon for monitoring pipeline corrosion.
 43. The vortexsuppression device of claim 24, wherein the at least one channel extendstransversely to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body from theleading section to the trailing section.